As the world observed International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26 June, our fellow Thando Masango raised concerns about the drug crisis affecting South Africa’s youth.
Thando, who is an anti-drug activist and community advocate, is alarmed by the rise in drug use among young people and is calling for immediate attention and action.
He highlighted a number of key challenges that hinder progress in the fight against substance abuse, which include a lack of accessible rehabilitation facilities, an absence of comprehensive awareness and prevention programmes, and limited community-based support systems that could help those struggling with addiction reintegrate into society.
“Addiction is a family disease; you smoke, but it affects the whole community.”
Thando speaks from a place of lived experience. He bravely shares that he, too, once struggled with drug use, and his journey to recovery has fuelled his mission to ensure others don’t suffer in silence. His story is a reminder that recovery is possible, but only if the right support systems are in place.
Part of Thando’s work includes leveraging sports as a tool for social change, particularly in supporting those affected by drug use. He believes in using sport not only as a form of physical rehabilitation and community engagement but also as a way to show appreciation and dignity to people who use drugs. Through sports initiatives, Thando creates safe, stigma-free spaces that promote healing, connection, and the message that recovery and reintegration are possible.
In his ongoing work, Thando is calling on all sectors of society to invest in prevention, expand access to rehabilitation, and work together to dismantle the stigma around addiction.
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